INVASIVE PLANTS AS A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE OF BIOMOLECULES AGAINST NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594162405015

• Palavras-chave: Neurodegenerative diseases, invasive species, oxidative stress, bioactive compounds, sustainable economy

• Keywords: Neurodegenerative diseases, invasive species, oxidative stress, bioactive compounds, sustainable economy

• Abstract:

  The development of neurodegenerative diseases is strongly related to oxidative stress, due to an imbalance in cellular metabolism. There are currently different therapies available to treat these diseases, although they are often not curative and/or have adverse effects. In view of the above, it is necessary to find complementary and/or alternative medicines that replace current treatments, showing fewer side effects. Secondary metabolites synthesized by invasive plants, specifically phenolic compounds, have a great capacity to suppress oxidative stress, neutralizing free radicals. Thus, these compounds can be used as alternative pharmacological treatments for pathological conditions associated with increased oxidative stress. Currently, invasive species are considered one of the greatest threats to the preservation of biodiversity in the world, causing negative impacts at both an environmental and socioeconomic level. Therefore, it is imperative that measures are implemented to control and manage them, ensuring a balanced ecosystem and, at the same time, promoting a sustainable economy. The use of extraction of bioactive compounds from these plants and possible applications in the field of medicine are a futuristic strategy, aiming to implement the 2030 Agenda and some of the sustainable development objectives.